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Previous Exhibitions
Beaded Beauty: Art Objects from Southern Africa
Emily S. Macey Gallery
November 22, 2003 - January 25, 2004
Image: (below right) Beaded Beauty installation view.
 The Polk Museum of Art has recently extended its holdings to include African
Art. The objects on display come from the collection of Norma and William Roth
of Winter Haven, who recently donated 50 textiles, gourds, and ceramic objects
from their extensive collection. Ranging from hats and capes to bags and
vessels, all of these objects are from the southern region of Africa are
adorned with beads.
Some of the cultures represented in the exhibition include the Ndebele, Thembu,
and Zulu Cultures of South Africa, the Himba and San Cultures of Namibia, and
the Batonka Culture of Zimbabwe.
Glass beads have been used by African artisans since the earliest development
of glass in Ancient Egypt. The beaded works included in this collection are
both beautiful and culturally significant. Beads have not only been used by the
peoples of Africa for decorative purposes; their importance lies in the fact
that they are used to denote many different forms of social status. Through the
use of color, form, and stitching, the people of southern Africa are able to
use beads to communicate such things as marital status, political or economic
status, and affection for one another. The exhibition includes a great variety
of objects including hats and headdresses, skirts and aprons, necklaces, belts,
bags, and ceremonial objects.
Ndebele Culture, South Africa, Child's Apron, ca. 1960's,
Beads, fiber, and button, 5" x 7" with 20" strap, Gift of Norma Canelas
and William D. Roth |
 Thembu Culture, South Africa, Fringed Belt, ca. 1940's, Wool,
glass beads, fiber, & yarn, Gift of Norma Canelas and
William D. Roth. |
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